Falling Shreds

Jeremiah came in, fast, an evenlope in his hand, going straight to his bed, the door swinging closed behind him. His face was set in a blank emotionless expression, and he didn't look to see if either of the twins were in the room.

He sat on his bed as soon as he reached it, his bag slipping off his shoulder onto the bed. His eyes were locked on the evenlope as his fingers ripped it open, oblivious to anything else around him. He let the evenlope fall to the floor as he quickly unfolded the piece of paper and read it.

His jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed as he read it. Suddenly, he let out a slight growl of anger, leaping up and ripping the paper into lots of little pieces, eyes watching them fall into the bin. He was breathing deeply and, hands and jaw clenched, just staring at the bin with an unreadable expression.

One of the twins was sitting at a desk doing work and looked up as Jeremiah entered. Then the twin proceeded to stare at Jeremiah in disbelief, almost shock at the anger.

Jeremiah continued to stare at the bin for a few moments and then went back to his bed, sitting down, slipping off his shoes and then lying down on his bed, his expression not changing.

"What was that all about?" asked the twin, emotionless.

"A letter. My father."

The twin flinched slightly. "It's okay...I understand if you don't trust me..."

Jeremiah sighed lightly, eyes closing, "It's not that...my father...did something. Something I asked him not to..." his breathing was fast, too fast, and he reached out a hand to his draw and got out his inhaler.

The twin sighed, grabbing his work. "I'll leave you be then..."

Jeremiah took the drug, coughing. He shook his head, sitting up, "You don't have to leave...please don't..."

"It's clear I'm not wanted here..." Tom muttered, grabbing the door handle.

"That's not true..." Jeremiah said softly, standing up and going to him. "I'm sorry for acting that way. I do want you here," he raised a hand and gently stroked Tom's cheek.

Tom flinched away. "Look. Don't touch me till you've calmed down, okay?!"

Jeremiah froze, looking completely shocked. Slowly he lowered his hand. "I...I would never hurt you..." he took a step, shaking slightly.

Tom sighed. "I'll come back in half an hour." Tom left the room.

Jeremiah felt tears form and he looked to the bin. Perhaps he should do as his father said and marry that girl.

Tom was feeling frustrated. He headed to the basketball courts.

Jeremiah went out to the balcony and sat down in the cold, just staring nowhere. So Tom thought he would hurt him...

Tom thought everyone was out to hurt him.

Tears started to slip out of his eyes, his beath going faster as he breathed in the cold air.

Tom was angrily throwing a ball around.

Jeremiah pulled his knees up to his chest, arms wrapped around them as his body shook with the cold. His tears almost freezing on his skin.

Simon came back. "Hello?" he called out.

Jeremiah didn't respond, head on his knees, eyes closed, his breath showing as he breathed out.

Simon frowned, putting his bag on his bed before going out to the balcony. "Yo! Jeremiah!"

Jeremiah's eyes opened and he looked up at Simon without moving his head, "Hey Simon..." He had stopped shivering now, his skin going numb.